MOVIE VANTAGE POINT

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Friday, August 5, 2016

Horror films are one of the more beloved genres in the modern
movie industry. Now more than ever before, film makers are looking for ways to
re-invent the genre and find new ways to induce chills and thrills into their
devout fans. Dating back to the 90’s, the unforeseen popularity of the Blair
Witch Project allowed film makers a new way to deliver their stories to
audiences. The Blair Witch Project assembled a very simple formula that has
since been repeated in a number of films since its release. The use movie
induced the usage of unknown actors and a reality like camera angle helped to
re-invent the way the delivery of the story. This cost effective and highly
successful ploy has helped the horror genre and spurn countless numbers of
films in its mold. Apollo 28, Open Water, and Afflicted are just a few of the
films who have come into existence over the years using the same mold.

As Above So Below is a disconcerting, spooky manifestation that
entails a search for one of the mythical treasures of the earth, the
philosophers stone. It’s a little known thriller that hit the theaters in
relative anonymity in early 2014.The movie has good intensity in the early
moments that is maintained throughout. It’s billed as a horror/suspense
feel but it really has a Raiders of the Lost Ark/National Treasure feel to
it. The film starsPerdita Weeks (Prowl), Ben Feldman (Cloverfield), Edwin Hodge
(The Purge), and Francois Civil (Frank).

Synopsis: When a team of explorers
ventures into the catacombs that lie beneath the streets of Paris, they uncover
the dark secret that lies within this city of the dead.

The film has a really good theme that speaks to nearly everyone
that takes the time to view it. As Above So Below is a journey into self-regret
and sorrow that forces one to recognize your sins and inner demons. It’s a
horror/suspense feel that has universal appeal. While the film may not have the
best delivery to the story, it clearly has one of the more interesting and
relatable themes in some time. It really grabs a hold of your intention almost
immediately. The audience is sucked in and then you’re as intrigued by the
quest for the Philosopher’s stone as the protagonist is. Its engulfing nature
won’t allow you to turn away for the first 30-40 minutes. However, somewhere
about the midpoint of the film, that grip begins to ease up and the film
quickly falls to mediocrity.

One of the most glaringly noticeable aspects of this film is its
choice for cinematography. The film is yet another to induce the first person
camera angle in an effort to give this tale a fresher feel. It’s a way that is
becoming more and more popular in recent film making. As Above So Below
is told from the first person documentary style perspective that has worked for
some film like Cloverfield or the Blair Witch Project but hampered others like
Apollo 18 or Afflicted. Much like the division of success in those
aforementioned films, this films choice of the perspective has mixed success.
In the early stages it really puts you in the middle of the film even giving it
an adrenaline inducing feel that preys on one’s natural fears. Conversely, the
camera choice hurts the climax of the film. It has far too much rapid movement
and quickly hampers the enjoyment of the film.

The film’s cast is
comprised of mostly unknowns. It’s a formula that seems to go hand in hand.
It’s been instituted in most of the films that uses the style of cinematography.
The cast is led by Perdita Weeks who does an admirable job in her performance
as Scarlett. Just as like most of the films that have attempted this style, it’s
comprised of mostly unknowns or actors aren’t readily recognizable.

As Above So Below is a
film that is surprisingly better than I expected. I was actually shocked how
locked into it was for a good part of the movie. I think if it would have had a
better camera choice then the film would have turned out significantly better. It’s
creates a good level of tension and anticipation that is maintained
throughout. It’s a film that in spite of its glaring shortcomings, you can
still find a good level of enjoyment. For pure horror lovers, it may fall
short, but for most everyone else the film will stir some stark tension within
you.

The horror genre is
one of the most popular among movie lovers. However, it is one of the most
difficult to keep fresh and relevant. Filmmakers are constantly in search of
new ways to induce scares and chills as their audience views their material.
One of the newer ways that filmmakers are looking to infuse some creativity
into the genre is the use of the first person perspective when it comes to
movies. Ever since the success of the Blair Witch Project, Hollywood has been
finding ways to re-invent the use of the camera perspective.

Afflicted is intriguing, innovative occurrence
that ingeniously institutes a new perspective on one of the ageless characters
in all of fiction. It brings a hyper realistic touch to the vampire genre
through the combination of the use of new age cinematography, a reality show
approach to the delivery of the story, and finally a touch of much needed
realism being added to the story. The film stars Derek Lee (No Backing Out),
Clif Prowse (1st film), and Baya Rehaz (Blue is the Warmest
Color). The movie debuted in 2013.

The film is makes for an interesting
new outlook on the vampire genre. It has a riveting viewpoint on one man’s
transformation into the revered character. It’s one of the better Vampire films
that isn’t as good as some of the other Like Byzantium and Let Me In but it
does make for a good watch. Afflicted
has a very humanizing approach to one of the greatest characters in cinema. The
way that it’s presented to its viewers allows its viewers to live vicariously
through its characters. The first thing that stands out about Afflicted is the
director’s choice of camera perspective. Afflicted implements the use of the
now popular documentary style story that is becoming popular. It makes for an
interesting perspective to the story added a higher level of realism, however,
it doesn't truly do the story justice.

One of the biggest detractors from
the film is that the first 15 minutes are nearly worthless. The film could have
easily been better served by eliminating these. The filmmakers tries to
establish the characters and the closeness of the two main stars but it’s very
boorish. It nearly loses your attention and forces you to question why you are
watching this movie. Soon after it does pick up and then it finally begins to
live up to some of the promise of the trailers. It begins to take the shape of
a very unique outlook on one of the most popular figures in movies.

The cast is consist of mostly
unknowns. Derek Lee and Clif Prowse head the films and star as themselves. Both
do a good job however their novice acting skills really are magnified as the
film progresses. Because of the limited acting ability, the film doesn’t
achieve the level of enjoyment that could have been reached had there been
better actors.

There is an unwavering, timeless
infatuation that fiction lovers have with Vampires. They are some of the most
popular characters in movies and fiction. The public seems to never grow weary
of them. Afflicted helps to add to the genre with a different approach. Fans of
the character will surely enjoy this more than those who aren’t. It’s surely
not a classic but it does offer a good level of entertainment with its very
unique perspective on the characters. While this film could have been better,
it is surely more than enough to offset a boring night.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Remakes, re-imaginings, re-introductions. You name it and film makers in Hollywood find a way to pimp the concept of former (classic) films/TV shows in order to squeeze a few dollars out of movie goers. Too often they alter the vision of the original so much that the film no longer resembles the original. More often than not, these new films are such a rip off of the original that it completely infuriates the long time fans of the shows. The film makers often loose the true essence of what made that show or movie a hit. However every so often, in the process of enduring one of these butchering, Hollywood produces a hit. That happened in the case of this year’s comedic version of the former classic 90’s television show, 21 Jump Street which was created by Stephen Cannel and Patrick Hasburgh.

21 Jump Street is one of this year’s latest attempts at reintroducing a classic television show for the new generation. The big screen adaptation is far more comedic based. Its an obscenity laced, teen focused debauchery that uses a high number of sexual innuendo. The movie is a full circle coming of age comedy that refines the buddy cop genre. hilarious undertaking on the buddy cop genre. The film stars Channing Tatum (Magic Mike), Jonah Hill (The Watch), Ice Cube (Lottery Ticket), Deray Davis (Jumping The Broom), and Rob Riggle (Big Miracle).

The “larger than life” qualities that comprise most action movies have endeared the genre to the world. This films can drive one to stardom. Stars like Arnold Swarzenegger, Syvelster Stallone, and Bruce Willis carved out a permanent place in our psyche because of it. The charisma conjoined with the intense action gives audience and adrenaline boost and often causes them to look past the realistic nature by which the films are based. But in reality, for the real life action stars, war, violence, and risks that one takes in nothing glorious. When these situation become necessary the real life Rambos take charge and often get no recognition until they are in a casket.

Act of Valor (Rated R) is pulse pounding and riveting. It’s a gripping story of dedication, sacrifice, and true heroism. This enlightening narrative uses the lives of actual United States Navy seals as a foundation for a very distinctly unique film going experience. The movie’s cast is a combination of real Navy Seals and Hollywood actors that are commingled to give audiences one of the most unique takes on the action movie genre. The film stars Roselyn Sanchez (The Game Plan), Jason Cottle (Remarkable Power), Nestor Serrano (Secretariat ), Alisa Marshall (Richard III), and Seal Team 7 that is comprised of Lt. Rourke, Soc Dave, So Weimy, So Ray, Soc Sonny, So, Ajay, So Mikey, and So Miller.
Click the link to finish the article:http://www.examiner.com/movies-in-baltimore/damon-guy?page=1

Thursday, December 6, 2012

There have been some great films that showcase the horrific power of the creatures that occupy the depths of the ocean and why man should be very mindful when dealing with it. Films like Jaws, Orca, and Deep Blue Sea are classic movies that show the true power that the creatures of the sea posses. Not to mention how these movies can scare the crap out of you. The theme from Jaws had become synonymous with fear and is one of the all time classic aspects of film. The minute that one hears it, it quickly resonates with the terror and killing that is sure to follow. But for each one of these great examples of the good use of the world’s oldest killing machine, there is at least one bad one. The latest disconcerting usage is Shark Night.

Shark Night is a substandard, tasteless exploitation of one of the best killers to ever grace the screen. It's a fraudulent debauchery that offers nearly no entertainment value. It’s a lackluster usage of the one of the greatest killers to ever grace the screen. The movie stars Sara Paxton (The Last House on the Left), Dustin Mulligan (Extract), Chris Carmack (The Butterfly Effect 3), Katherine McPhee (The House Bunny), Joel David Moore (Savages), Sinqua Walls (Teen Wolf: TV series), Alyssa Diaz (Red Dawn 2012), and Donal Louge (Charlie St. Cloud).

In the modern era of film making, any film that has a moderate level of success will most likely spurn a sequel. These days, the sequel is usually a less that spectacular, substandard direct to video follow up. The Butterfly Effect was an enjoyable and creative approach to science fiction that premiered in 2004. It spurned a pair of direct to video sequels, The Butterfly Effect 2 (2006) and now the Butterfly Effect 3.

Butterfly Effect 3: Revelations is an intimate, interesting convergence of sci-fi, suspense, and drama that revolves around a serious of murders and the events the circumstances that can arise by altering the fate of one person. The film poses a mind boggling approach to supernatural whodunit. The film debuted in 2009. The film stars Chris Carmack (Shark Night), Rachael Miner (Repicas), Melissa Jones (Retardead), Kevin Yon (The Five Year Engagement), Lynch R. Travis (Dogman), and Sarah Habel (Whip It). ﻿

The modern action star is nearly extinct. The lone action star that is left, Jason Statham has never gotten his just due. Statham’s combination of martial arts, physicality/toughness, and charisma are unmatched by no other action star in present day movie making. One of his latest vehicles, Blitz, debuted on video last year. Blitz is a malicious, brutal crime thriller that is filled with vulgarities and obscenities. The movie stars Jason Statham (The Expendables 2), Paddie Considine (Submarine), Aidan Gillen (The Dark Knight Rises), Zawe Ashton (Weekender), and David Morrissey (Basic Instinct 2).

Blitz is a moderately enjoyable film that revolves around a disgruntled police officer that is hot on the trail of a serial cop killer in London. Blitz premiered in 2011. This is not the usual “Statham” type of action film. Blitz is a crime drama. Statham’s trademark action style gives way to the brutal killings the plot of the film focuses on the relentless pursuit of the cop killer.

The rage in modern movie making that has taken over the film industry in the last decade has been bringing comic books to the silver screen. Hollywood has furiously been using a number of ideas to spurn films. Some good some not so good. One of the more uncommon outlooks on the usage of the genre has been the dark comedy. Films like Kick-Ass and Defendor are great examples of the alternative approaches that attempt to satisfy movie enthusiasts infatuation with the genre.

Super is a offbeat approach to one of the raging trends in modern movie making. It’s a good combination of action and brutal violence that is commingled with a bit of twisted humor to bring one of the more original takes on the superhero love affair between the public and film industry. The movie stars Rainn Wilson (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen), Liv Tyler (The Incredible Hulk), Ellen Page (Inception), Kevin Bacon (X-Men: First Class), Nathan Fillion (Justice League: Doom), and Michael Rooker (Mysteria).

Dream House is a dreary, tedious singularity that blurs the lines of reality in an poorest attempt to bring a fresh perspective to a lackluster suspense story. It’s a complete and utter exploitation of a talented trio of actors. The film under utilizes the talents of Daniel Craig (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Rachael Weiss (The Whistle Blower), Naomi Watts (J.Edgar), Martin Czokas (The Debt), and Elias Kotas (Defendor).

Friday, August 10, 2012

In the last few years, the number of direct to video features has greatly increased. The rise in the production as well as the increase in the number of DVD’s that are purchased has paved the way for movie producers to create more venues for actors. These films often employ the use of A-List actors to attract viewers to them. However, the entertainment value of these features are often not up to par. Many of the film feature quality actors but have sub par stories that result in complete abuse of fan loyalty. The Double is one of those films that breaks that unfortunate but recurring situation. It’s a really good suspense that is complimented by two really good performances by two actors from different generations.

The Double is an engaging, suspense-filled happenstance that revolves around the attempted capture of a former Soviet hit man who now masks himself as a FBI agent. It is the another example of a direct to video feature that (employs) the use of good actors to solicit viewers. The film stars Richard Gere (Brooklyn‘s Finest), Topher Grace (Take Me Home Tonight), Martin Sheen (The Amazing Spiderman), Stephen Moyer (Priest), and Odette Yutsman (And Soon The Darkness).

The emergence of the popularity of video games have made them a prime resource for the development of films and cartons based on them. This new surging platform has afforded movie makers with a viable resource that comes with a devout, pre-existing fan base allowing for the media that is based on them to be extremely successful. One of the latest examples of this is displayed as the Ghost Recon franchise recently released a direct to video short that is based on the games.

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Alpha is an intense, adrenaline-inducing manifestation that successfully crosses the line from video game to live action. it’s a pragmatic recreation of the intense military game that has incurred a devout following. The film features the talents of Keith Gilmore(1st role), Ivan Vanir (Big Miracle), Chook Sibtain (Naacle London), Charles Venn (The Dark Knight), and Erick Redman (Captain America: The First Avenger).

The sci-fi genre is just does not offer what it once did. Once a upon a time, science fiction movies were a driving force in the movies. Film franchises like Star Wars and Star Trek help to define a generation but those days are nearly forgotten amongst today’s generation of up and coming movie lovers. This generation enjoys more reality based sci-fi with films like District 9 and Cowboys and Aliens. The larger than life out of this world space operas are nearly extinct. Lockout is a fairly decent combination of both, the larger than life sci-fi that is intermingled with some manner of a realistic twist to it. Lockout is an action oriented manifestation that epitomizes the modern state of action films. This is a film that is big on action and comes up extremely short on substance. It’s a promising premise in that is completely marred and utterly mishandled within its failed delivery. The film stars Guy Pierce (Prometheus), Maggie Q (Faster), Peter Stormare (Get The Gringo), Lennie James (Colombiana), Vincent Regan (Clash of the Titans 2010), and Joseph Gilgun (Harry Brown).

Lockout is mishandled, lackluster misfortune that moves a frenetic pace. It is the latest film to fall prey to approach that Hollywood has taken in order to accommodate today’s ADHD generation’s attention span when watching movies. It is jam packed with mindless action but it offers little to no sustenance.

Anonymous is a contemplative, artistic happenstance that offers an intriguing argument against one of the greatest historical figures. It creatively questions the integrity of the most performed playwright of all time, William Shakespere. The film stars Rhys Ifans (The Amazing Spiderman), Vanessa Redgrave (Cars 2), Sebastian Armesto (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides) Joely Richardson (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo), David Thewls (War Horse), Xavier Samuel (The Twilight Saga: Eclispe), and Rafe Spall (Prometheus). The film is directed by Roland Emmerich.

Anonymous is a devious, shrewd tale of wickedness and treachery. It’s a creative tale that romanticizes the validity of the claim of one of the greatest writers ever. This alternative outlook on the rise to glory of William Shakespeare. This argumentative narrative accuses the writer of being a fraud and then offers an argument to support the challenge validity of his claim to the groundbreaking creative works of art. The story of writer whose creative voiced was silenced but finds new life through the guise of a failing actor, William Shakespeare. This outlook on history deems Shakespeare as a charlatan who becomes the envy of the writers as he rises in popularity through the theft of the writings of the Earl of South Hampton.

The story of the underdog is a great way to get movie lovers into a film. Society loves the story of the person who overcomes the odds the succeed in the end. Movies about sports and the underdog story are some of the best. Films like Rocky, Miracle, and even Dodgeball have a way of giving fans that motivation to stand and cheer as your oddballs and outcasts rise to the occasion. There are great sports movies then there’s Goon. Goon is a humorously violent take on the world of hockey. The movie is laced with an insane amount of brutal violence, vulgarities, and obscenities. The film stars Sean William Scott (American Reunion), Leiv Schribber (Salt), Eugene Levy (American Reunion), and Jay Buschel (She’s Out of my League).

Goon is an outrageous, jocular debuachery that takes an unusual approach to the often told underdog story. This is a brutal humorous approach to the sport of hockey. It’s a direct to video film that debuted in 2012. It focuses on the one of the more essential but less honorable aspects of hockey. The fights that occur in the sport of hockey as nearly as integral to the sport as pucks and sticks. Goon shifts its focus to the more notorious aspects of the sport. Goon puts the punches, blood, and carnage in the forefront as it concentrates on this dynamic for the basis for this story. The brutality is as essential to the sport as pucks and skates.

The Adventures of Tin Tin is a stunning, daring adventure that unfolds through the implementation of great visual imagery. It’s an exciting modernized reintroduction that breathes life into one of the famous characters of yesteryear. The film is blessed with the voice talents of an all star cast that features the likes of Jamie Bell (Man On A Ledge), Andy Serkis (Rise of the Planet of the Apes), Daniel Craig (Dream House), Toby Jones (Snow White and the Huntsman), and Nick Frost (Paul).The Adventures of Tin Tin is an excellent intersection of modern day, cutting edge animation and old school story telling. ntriguing mystery that is intertwined with great convergence of action, adventure, and humor. It is the creative collaborative culmination of two of the bigger names that work behind the camera.

The Adventures of Tin Tin is directed by Steven Speilberg and produced by Peter Jackson. It’s a film that is based on the once popular character of the same name that appeared in a French newspaper, Le Petit Vingtieme in 1929. The character of Tin Tin was created by Belgian artist George Remi.

There are very few franchises that can equal the success of The American Pie series of films. With three major motion pictures and five direct to video additions, the American Pie franchise has had more films in the last 10 years than any other franchise in recent years. It attempts to continue the success of the first three films in the series with the return of the original cast that endeared the high school misfits to the American public. American Reunion is a mildly humorous, nostalgic farce that comically continues a franchise as it embellishes on the transition of life. The film intertwines a high level of sexual innuendo with some insanely awkward situation in an attempt to recapture the magic of a modern day franchise. The movie stars Jason Biggs (My Best Friend's Girl), Allyson Hannigan (Love, Wedding, Marriage), Sean William Scott (Goon), Tara Reid (American Pie 2), Eugene Levy (Goon), and Chris Klien (Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li).

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American Reunion is the latest addition to the American Pie franchise that returns the Class of 99 to the screen for the first time since the third film in the series. The film invokes nostalgia from its opening moments with an all too familiar scene that is nearly synonymous with the American Pie series of films.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

The Amazing Spiderman is a multifaceted, well crafted visual extravaganza that truly captures the essence of Spiderman. It’s an entertaining re-introduction that creatively reboots the franchise of Marvel Comics most popular character. This iteration is a closer, alternative perspective that delves deep into the character and is closer to the comic book origins of one of the staples of modern mythology. The film stars Andrew Garfield (The Social Network), Emma Stone (The Help), Rhys Ifan (Anonymous), Martin Sheen (Seeking A Friend For The End of The World), Sally Field (Two Weeks), and Dennis Leary (Ice Age: Continental Drift).

The Amazing Spiderman takes a darker, more provocative approach to the retelling of the Spiderman mythos. It retells the beginnings of everyone’s favorite wall crawler by inducing a number of changes to the well known origin that most fans came to know though the most recent trilogy that debuted a decade ago. This approach is extremely well put together. It focuses on what truly makes the him one of the most beloved comic characters ever. It creatively implements a number of subtle changes to the origin in order to alter the story.

Comic books have been inspiring films for decades but have really come to dominate the silver screen over the last decade. Marvel comics has risen to the top of the two comic book giants and its domination of the silver screen has yielded some blockbuster extravaganzas such as The Avengers, Captain America: The First Avenger, and X-Men: First Class but in the process it has also yielded some flops. The pair of Punisher films (Punisher yr, Punisher: War Zone yr), Spider Man 3, and X-Men The Last Stand were among those to be considered flops. The anti-hero, Ghost Rider, is a character who has a a difficult transition to the big screen making his introduction to the masses somewhat marred. After a lackluster first film, Marvel comics attempts to right the wrongs of the big screen introduction of the character with the sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.is an action packed continuance that returns the one of the more popular anti-heroes to silver screen. It is film that questions the balance of good and evil. This version delves deeper into the curse that haunts Johnny Blaze as he attempts to regain his humanity. The first film from Marvel comics to premiere in 2012. It is the follow up to Ghost Rider that premiered in (yr) The film stars Nicholas Cage (Drive Angry), Idris Elba (Prometheus), Cirran Hines (John Carter), Christopher Lambert (Highlander), Violante Placido (The American), and Johnny Whitworth (Limitless).

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance is a moderately entertaining follow up that returns one of the more popular anti-heroes to the screen. The movie continues the never ending war between good and evil. Spirit of Vengeance is a darker more brooding tale than the first film. The film has a religious nature as it focuses the sanctified details that surround what made the Ghost Rider. It features a number of comedic moments that try to give a good break from the dark nature of the film.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Man on a Ledge is an enthralling, mesmerizing narrative that effectively intertwines the combination of action and suspense to bring to life a modern whodunit. It’s an gripping modern day mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat throughout. The film stars Sam Worthington (Wrath of the Titans), Elizabeth Banks (The Hunger Games), Ed Harris (History of Violence), Anthony Mackie (Real Steel), Jamie Bell (The Eagle), Ed Burns (Echelon Conspiracy), Genesis Rodriguez (Casa De Mi Padre), and Kyra Sedgewick (Gamer).

Man On A Ledge is the story of a wrongly accused former police who attempts to clear his name after being convicted of the theft of a precious diamond. Nick Cassidy escapes from prison and then devises a clever scheme to redeem himself and prove his innocence. This is a well crafted whodunit that creates a good level of suspense as well as inducing a great deal of tension and anxiety. The film has a pulse pounding and attention grabbing nature from its opening moments. The film grabs the audience and delves them deeper and deeper with each passing minute.

In the modern movie industry there are few stars that have the unmitigated drawing power of Denzel Washington. Washington’s star power is nearly unmatched as there aren’t many with his resume and ability to command the screen. Whether it’s an action film or a great dramatic performance, Denzel Washington is clearly a Hollywood great. Adding to his already impressive list of characters, Washington’s last role as Tobin Frost turned out to be one of his better performances as the action thriller, Safe House recently premiered on home video.﻿

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Safe House is an captivating, adrenaline inducing scenario that unites two of today’s biggest stars in order to breathe life into an riveting thriller. This is a riveting take on the aspects of the costs of freedom that the United States government fights to keep from the public. The film stars Denzel Washington (Unstoppable), Ryan Reynolds (Green Lantern), Brendan Gleeson (The Raven), Sam Shephard (Fair Game), Robert Patrick (S.W.A.T. Firefight), and Vera Fermiga (Source Code).

Gone is a engaging, unconventional whodunit that implements a good deal of misdirection to give a fresh perspective to story of one woman’s attempt to rebuild her life after escaping a serial killer. This offbeat approach to the retelling of the events forces the audience to question the validity of the actual abduction. The film premiered in March of 2012. The movie stars Amanda Seyfried (In Time), Daniel Sunjata (The Dark Knight Rises), Jennifer Carpenter (Quarentine), Sebastian Stan (Captain America: The First Avenger), Wes Bentley (The Hunger Games), Joel David Moore (Savages), and Michael Pare (The Lincoln Lawyer).

Gone is an mildly enjoyable psychological thriller that keeps the audience off balance until its waning moments. It tells the story of a woman who escapes a serial killer and attempts to rebuild her life. Soon after, the same killer kidnaps her sister. it’s a race against time as a woman must avoid the police while simultaneously trying to find her sister. The film uses a number of flashbacks to describe the events of Jill’s abduction. The flashbacks reveal the horrific nature of Jill’s terrible encounter.

Hugo (PG) is a wondrous, imaginative incarnation that creatively intertwines fantastic imagery with great story telling to bring an extremely unique movie going experience. It is a clever mystery that is submerged in a whimsical and enjoyable tale told through the eyes of children. The movie stars Ben Kingsley (Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time), Sasha Baren Cohen (The Dictator), Chloe Grace Moretz (Dark Shadows), Asa Butterfield (The Wolfman), Ray Winestone (Snow White and the Huntsman), Jude Law (Contagion), Emily Mortimer (Our Idiot Brother), and Christopher Lee (The Resident). The film is directed by Martin Scorsese. It was nominated for 11 Academy Awards.

Hugo is an enjoyable, delightful visual extravaganza that immediately whisks the audience into yesteryear. The movie is an interesting commingling of modern film making that is merged with a tender story of forgotten times.. The film uses its fantastic cinematography to accentuate the good themes that it is trying to convey to bring a heartfelt tale to life. Hugo tells the story of a orphan son of a clock maker that takes place in Paris in the 1930‘s. a tale that tells the story of a son that is attempting to hold on to the only connection that he had with his father.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

There are some characters that have become a pillar in film making. These characters have gained iconic status and have been so interwoven into the fabric of movie making that the mere mention of their name conjures flashbacks of the “classic” films and scenes that have seared them into the hearts of movie lovers. In the last 40 years, characters like The Terminator, Indiana Jones, and “The Alien (Xenomorph)” are some of those character. The newest film to utilize this timeless character recently premiered in theaters.

Prometheus is an engaging, contemplative continuance that finally creates a long overdue definitive origin to one of the most revered characters in modern movie making. This film is a creative reinvention of one of the more recognized characters in sci-if as the dreaded Xenomorph also known as Intermecivus Raptus (the Latin name for Murderous Thief) makes a return to the silver screen after a six year absence.

The sci-fi thriller, Prometheus, is the long awaited reintroduction of the character that first terrorized audiences more than 30 yrs ago and has been terrorizing the big screen ever since. The character has appeared in eight films, starring in seven. This new addition to the Alien franchise is directed by Ridley Scott who directed the original 1979 film, Alien. The movie is comprised of an extremely talented cast such as Noomi Rapace (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo), Michael Fassbender (X-Men: First Class), Idris Elba (Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengence), Guy Pierce (Lockout), and Charlize Theron (Snow White and the Huntsman).

In the modern era of film making where the action star has become an endangered species, Liam Neeson has rose to become one of the few names to help to keep the action star from becoming extinct. One of his more recent films, The Grey, recently debuted on home video. The Grey (rated R) is a ferocious, hardnosed testament of survival and the indomitable nature of man. This is a action-oriented tale that pits man against a the combination of nature and beast. The movie stars Liam Nesson (Battleship), Frank Grillo (Warrior), Dermont Mulroney (J. Edgar), Dallas Roberts (3:10 To Yuma), Joe Anderson (The Crazies), Nonso Anozie (Conan The Barbarian 2011), and James Badge Dale (Shame).

The Grey is panic inducing, pragmatic happenstance that uses the incredible forces of nature to induce a high level of fear. The movie is a great exhibition that displays the struggle for life. It also shows how one tries to overcome the extremes that one will could be forced to survive if they were stranded in the wilderness. This is an extremely unique action thriller that focuses a group of seven survivors courageous trek to return to civilization after devastating plane crash. it’s a life and death fight against a pack of wolves who are stalking them.

The romantic comedy is one of the more popular genre’s in modern movie making. It mostly appeals to women but every now and then there is a film that comes along and actually unites the sexes like the genre shoulld. This Means War is a charismatic, delightful oddity that effectively blurs the lines of three genres (action, romance, and comedy) to breathe life into a uniquely enjoyable take on modern romance. It’s a film with universal appeal that is one of the few romantic comedies that is an entertaining for men as well as women. The film stars Resse Witherspoon (Water For Elephants), Tom Hardy (The Dark Knight Rises), Chris Pine (Unstoppable), Angela Bassett (Green Lantern), Chelsea Handler (Hop), and Til Schweiger (New Year’s Eve).

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This Means War is an enjoyable, jocular approach to the spy genre as well as the dating game. This romantic comedy that revolves around the story of two CIA agents that are best friends who are competing for the affections of the same woman. The film features two of the hot rising male actors in Hollywood.

Superman Vs The Elite is a contemplative, action packed testament that delves deep into the core of the hero mythos as it questions the morality of superheroes. It is one of the more unique perspective on the adventures of one of the world’s most famous heroes. This tale poses a great question about how the forces of evil should be handled once they are brought to justice. Does the evil that the heroes defend the world from deserve to be judged with the same law system as normal people or should they face death as a penalty for their crimes against humanity? Superman Vs The Elite gives its audience an entertaining outlook on that argument. The film features the voices of George Newbern (Saw IV), Pauley Perrette (NCIS TV series), Robin Atkin Downes (Prometheus), Catero Colbert (Fat Albert movie), Melissa Disney (iCarly TV series) and Andrew Kishino (Hot in Cleveland TV series).

Superman vs. The Elite is thought provoking perspective that places the Man of Steel against a quartet of metahumans called the Elite who do not share his high moral compass when it comes to bringing villains to justice. The Hat, Manchester Black, Menagerie, and Coldcast have no reservations about taking life as they prefer to kill the threats that they confront instead of attempting to bring them to justice. The Elite are the judge, jury, and executioner. This new animated adventure tests every fiber of Supermans' strong convictions as he confronts the new age vigilantes. “Elite” is the latest animated full length adventure from DC comics direct and the second of 2012.